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Jake Fiennes left school aged 16 to move to London and work at a nightclub and from there, his career path to becoming a hugely respected and listened-to conservationist has involved a few twists and turns.
Once he realised his post-school lifestyle was ruining his health, Jake joined a friend who had recently inherited a country estate and ended up staying put for five years, learning different aspects of farming and land management in the process. The friend was Charlie Burrell, now famous for rewilding the Knepp Estate.
From gamekeeper and estate manager to becoming an influential conservationist and advisor to government, Jake's career path has not included much in the way of academic qualifications. It's his attention to detail and observation, plus his willingness to take on hard graft, (all inherited from his his late parents, Jini and Mark, he says) that have shaped his life. He also credits his parents with enabling all their children (including actors Ralph and Joseph, composer Magnus and film-makers Martha and Sophie).
Jake goes on to acknowledge that his enlightened 'bosses' including Sir Nicholas Bacon of the Raveningham Estate, where he worked for more than 20 years, and Lord Leicester, ancestor of the famous Coke of Holkham, have allowed and encouraged him to exercise conservation within agriculture, and farming for nature as well as food.
The benefits of his methods speak for themselves. Jake shares a deep satisfaction in planning for the future as well as managing the present.
The resultant biodiversity has:
Shortly after the podcast episode dropped, TV presenter turned farmer Jeremy Clarkson was also extolling the virtues of this kind of farming.
Jake wants the next generation of farmers, workers and land owners to join this movement, and he is spreading the word with a book as well his work as an advisor. He believes in listening to younger people as well as passing on the benefit of experience to shape a more positive future for our changing climate.
Land Healer, How Farming Can Save Britain's Countryside by Jake Fiennes
The National Parks (Glover) Review
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) (East)
The National Farmers' Union (NFU)
The Holkham Estate conservation
The Raveningham Estate
The Knepp Estate
Season 1, Episode 7:
UEA climate change and biodiversity scientist Rachel Warren
Season 1, Episode 1:
RHS award-winning garden and landscape designer Rae Wilkinson, whose studio is on the Knepp Estate
